Managing SQL Server Database Performance from Pluralsight

SQL Server performance problems are real and troubleshooting can be a challenge. This course will cover what factors affect performance and how to troubleshoot and optimize performance both on-premise and with Azure SQL Database.

SQL Server performance troubleshooting and optimization are often overwhelming, complex, and take a very long time in production environments. However, this should not be the case. By understanding the exact problem with proper communication and having the best methods and tools to address the problems, the efforts and resources invested into the entire process could be cut significantly or could even be fully prevented. In this course, Managing SQL Server Database Performance, you’ll gain a better understanding and address some of the key factors that can contribute to or impact database performance adversely, beyond the workload you run. First, you’ll explore how to approach performance and scalability issues in general and what methods are preferred for efficiency. Next, you’ll discover a few important SQL Server concepts to help you understand how things work under the hood, along with optimization techniques for server memory and tempdb configuration. Finally, you’ll learn what factors like sizing and choosing the proper service tier, you need to watch out for in Microsoft Azure. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to prevent major problems, troubleshoot, and optimize your SQL Server environment more efficiently to better manage your SQL Server database workloads.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Aiming for Performance and Scalability

Understanding Key SQL Server Concepts

Optimizing SQL Server Instance and Memory Configuration

Optimizing Tempdb and User Database File Configuration

Configuring SQL Server in Azure

Troubleshooting and Baselining the Environment

SQL Server 2019 Improvements

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Well-suited for developers who use SQL Server who need to optimize and troubleshoot performance issues on-premise and with Azure SQL Database

Taught by Viktor Suha, an expert in SQL Server performance and optimization

Examines what factors affect performance and how to troubleshoot and optimize performance

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing SQL Server Database Performance with these activities:

Volunteer at a SQL Server User Group

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Connect with other professionals, learn from their experiences, and contribute to the community.

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Find a local SQL Server user group.
Attend meetings and participate in discussions.

Review Basic SQL Server Concepts

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Build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

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Review basic data structures and data types.
Understand the concept of relational databases and their components.
Practice writing basic SQL queries.

Build a Small-Scale SQL Server Database and Tune Its Performance

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Gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and optimizing a SQL Server database.

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Design a simple database schema.
Create the database and insert data.
Use SQL Server tools to analyze and optimize the database performance.

Five other activities

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Practice Optimizing SQL Queries

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Improve your ability to identify and resolve performance issues.

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Identify common performance bottlenecks.
Use SQL Server tools to analyze and optimize queries.
Practice implementing query optimizations.

Complete SQL Server Performance Tuning Tutorials

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Follow step-by-step instructions to enhance your performance tuning skills.

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Find tutorials on optimizing SQL Server instances and databases.
Follow the tutorials and implement the recommended techniques.

Read SQL Server Performance Tuning by Itzik Ben-Gan

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Gain insights from experts in the field of SQL Server performance tuning.

View T-SQL Querying (Developer Reference) on Amazon

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Read chapters on optimizing queries and managing resources.
Apply the techniques discussed in the book to your own projects.

Create a SQL Server Performance Tuning Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan to improve the performance of your SQL Server environment.

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Identify performance goals and bottlenecks.
Research and evaluate potential solutions.
Create a detailed plan outlining the implementation and monitoring process.

Mentor New SQL Server Users

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Enhance your understanding by teaching others and reinforcing your own knowledge.

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Identify opportunities to mentor new users.
Share your knowledge and experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Managing SQL Server Database Performance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Database Developer

Database Developers design and develop database solutions to support business applications. Managing SQL Server Database Performance is a highly relevant course for Database Developers working with SQL Server. It provides a comprehensive understanding of performance factors and optimization techniques, empowering Database Developers to create efficient and scalable database solutions. By mastering the concepts covered in this course, Database Developers can ensure that their databases meet performance requirements and support the smooth operation of business applications.

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Data Warehouse Architect

Data Warehouse Architects design and build data warehouses to support business intelligence and analytics. Managing SQL Server Database Performance is highly relevant for Data Warehouse Architects working with SQL Server-based data warehouses. The course provides insights into optimizing data warehouse performance, including techniques for data partitioning, indexing, and query optimization. By mastering these concepts, Data Warehouse Architects can design and implement data warehouses that deliver fast and efficient data access for analytics and reporting.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for designing and building data pipelines, ensuring the availability and integrity of data for analysis and decision-making. Managing SQL Server Database Performance is highly relevant to this role, as it helps Data Engineers understand how to optimize SQL Server databases, a key component in data management and processing. This course provides insights into performance bottlenecks, optimization techniques, and troubleshooting methods, empowering Data Engineers to effectively manage and optimize data pipelines for better performance and efficiency.

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Data Architect

Data Architects design and manage the architecture of data systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. By taking Managing SQL Server Database Performance, aspiring Data Architects can gain a deep understanding of the factors affecting SQL Server performance and learn best practices for optimization. This course will enable them to design and implement data architectures that are scalable, efficient, and meet the performance requirements of complex data systems.

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Performance Engineer

Performance Engineers analyze and optimize the performance of software systems. Managing SQL Server Database Performance can be valuable for Performance Engineers who work with systems that utilize SQL Server databases. By understanding database optimization techniques and performance monitoring strategies, Performance Engineers can identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, ensuring that systems meet performance requirements and deliver a seamless user experience.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, implement, and manage cloud computing solutions. Managing SQL Server Database Performance is relevant for Cloud Architects who work with SQL Server databases in the cloud. The course provides insights into optimizing SQL Server databases in cloud environments, such as Microsoft Azure. By understanding the specific performance considerations and best practices for cloud deployments, Cloud Architects can design and implement scalable and efficient database solutions that meet the demands of cloud computing.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are experts in the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of database systems, ensuring optimal performance and security. Managing SQL Server Database Performance is a valuable course for aspiring Database Administrators, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of key factors that can affect database performance. By mastering the techniques and best practices covered in this course, individuals can develop the skills necessary to optimize SQL Server environments, resolve performance issues, and ensure the smooth operation of database systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are involved in the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. Taking Managing SQL Server Database Performance can be beneficial for Software Engineers working with applications that utilize SQL Server databases. By understanding the principles of database optimization, Software Engineers can develop applications that efficiently interact with databases, minimize performance bottlenecks, and ensure optimal data access.

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IT Manager

IT Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems within an organization. Managing SQL Server Database Performance may be beneficial for IT Managers who are responsible for managing SQL Server databases. By understanding database optimization techniques and best practices, IT Managers can make informed decisions about database infrastructure, resource allocation, and performance monitoring to ensure optimal performance and availability of critical business data.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze, design, and implement computer systems to meet business needs. Managing SQL Server Database Performance may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts who work with systems that incorporate SQL Server databases. By understanding database optimization techniques and best practices, Computer Systems Analysts can design and implement systems that effectively utilize SQL Server databases and meet performance requirements.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems, integrating hardware, software, and processes to meet business requirements. Managing SQL Server Database Performance may be valuable for Systems Analysts who work with systems that incorporate SQL Server databases. The course provides insights into database optimization techniques, helping Systems Analysts ensure that the systems they design meet performance expectations and deliver efficient data access.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret data to extract insights and make data-driven decisions. While Managing SQL Server Database Performance may not be directly relevant to core Data Science tasks, it can be beneficial for Data Scientists who work with data stored in SQL Server databases. By understanding database optimization techniques, Data Scientists can effectively access and retrieve data, minimizing data access bottlenecks and improving the efficiency of their data analysis processes.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts bridge the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams, analyzing business needs and translating them into technical requirements. Managing SQL Server Database Performance may be useful for Business Analysts who work with teams responsible for managing SQL Server databases. By understanding the factors affecting database performance and optimization techniques, Business Analysts can better communicate technical requirements and ensure that the databases meet the performance expectations of the business.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. While Managing SQL Server Database Performance may not be directly relevant to core Security Analyst tasks, it can be beneficial for Security Analysts who work with systems that incorporate SQL Server databases. By understanding database security best practices and optimization techniques, Security Analysts can contribute to the overall security of the systems they protect.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks, ensuring network connectivity and performance. Managing SQL Server Database Performance may be of limited relevance to Network Administrators, as it focuses primarily on database optimization techniques. However, Network Administrators who work with networks that support SQL Server databases may benefit from understanding the performance implications of database traffic and how to optimize network configurations for database performance.

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